The Overwatch League (OWL) is exciting for both esports fans and bettors. Its dynamic gameplay and smart strategies make it fun to watch. Knowing how to place smart bets can improve your experience and help you win money. This guide will give you easy steps to bet on the Overwatch League, so you can make informed choices.
Overwatch League (OWL) was Blizzard’s official pro league for Overwatch and Overwatch 2. It was a major esports league that ran from 2018 until early 2024. In 2024, Blizzard shut down OWL and started a new series called the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), which will begin in 2025. So, while the Overwatch League is gone, Overwatch esports continues with a new name.
Overwatch betting means placing real bets on the results of Overwatch esports matches. Now that OWL is finished, most betting focuses on Overwatch 2 tournaments like the OWCS, which includes events like the OWCS Majors and World Finals. There are also other big events, such as the “Calling All Heroes” series for new teams in North America and the Overwatch World Cup, last held in 2023. Overwatch 2 was also part of the 2024 Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia. In short, you can find Overwatch events to bet on almost all year long. The new OWCS runs from January to November, providing plenty of matches.
The game is fast and fun. Overwatch 2 matches are shorter and more exciting than many other esports. Experts say Overwatch 2 has intense action and lots of betting opportunities. Unlike some slow strategy games, every Overwatch match is quick and packed with action, giving you more chances to place bets. Plus, Overwatch offers different betting options, not just on which team wins, so you can find many ways to wager.
For example, an Overwatch match usually has a best-of-5 maps format. You can bet on who will win the match, who will win the next map, how many maps will be played, and more. We’ll explain these betting types below.
Since Overwatch is team-based and features various game modes and hero choices, there’s strategy involved. This makes betting more exciting. It’s important to know about team strengths, current game updates, and team lineups to gain an advantage. Finally, there’s almost always an Overwatch event happening, so there are plenty of games to watch and bet on.
The first step to betting on the Overwatch League is to find a trustworthy betting site, also known as a sportsbook. Look for a site that offers Overwatch or Overwatch 2 and has competitive odds. When searching for a site, make sure it:
Some top-rated sites for Overwatch betting include:
| Category | Overwatch Betting Site | Key Features |
Best Overall | BetWhale | Perfect live streaming with seamless broadcasts; unmatched coverage of the OWCS. |
Best for Markets | BetOnline | You can find many options for betting on Overwatch. This is the best site for Overwatch prop bets. |
Best for odds | Everygame | The "Multiview" interface is great for betting on multiple matches at the same time. It has lower fees compared to BetOnline. |
After choosing a betting site, you need to create an account and add money. This is usually easy:
1. Go to the sportsbook website and click "Sign Up" or "Register." Enter your information.
2. You may need to confirm your identity by uploading a photo of your ID. This is normal and helps keep everyone safe.
3. Log in to your new account and deposit money. You can usually use credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or e-wallets. Some sites accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for privacy.
4. If there’s a welcome bonus, claim it. Many sites match your first deposit with extra money. For example, if you deposit $100 with a 125% match, you get $225 to use. Check the terms (called “wagering requirements”) to know how much you must bet before withdrawing bonus winnings.
Keep these tips in mind when depositing:
Once you have money in your account, you’re ready to find Overwatch matches to bet on.
Most betting sites group games by type, like Esports or Overwatch. Go to the esports section and look for Overwatch or OW2 events.
In 2025, the main series is the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), featuring major tournaments like Champions Clash, OWCS Majors, and World Finals. You might also find Calling All Heroes events, Overwatch World Cup qualifiers, or special tournaments. Check the schedule on the betting site or official Overwatch pages.
Once you find upcoming matches, each match will have different betting options. These options are called betting markets. Here are the five most common types of bets for Overwatch:
Here's a quick summary of these bet types:
| Bet Type | What It Means |
| Match Winner | Pick which team wins the match (Moneyline). |
| Map Winner | Pick which team wins the next individual map. |
| Map Handicap | Give one team a map head start to level the playing field. |
| Total Maps (O/U) | Bet if the series goes over or under a set number of maps. |
| Futures (Outright) | Bet on the overall tournament or league winner. |
(Note: Some sites may offer extra bets like “First Blood” (which team gets the first kill) or player stats bets. But stick to these basic five if you're just starting.)
Betting odds show how much you can win. They can be in decimal form (e.g., 1.50) or American format (+200, -150). If the decimal odds are 2.50, a $10 bet returns $25 (profit of $15). If the odds are +200, a $10 bet wins $20 profit. Lower odds mean a team is favoured; higher odds mean they are the underdog. Betting sites often update odds in real time, and you can usually switch to “live betting” if the match is ongoing.
Now it’s time to have some fun by picking a match and placing a bet. But before you wager any money, do some research:
Once you’ve done your homework, place a smart bet:
Some sites let you bet while a match is happening. This is called live betting. In fast games like Overwatch, odds can change quickly. You might find good chances, like betting on an underdog making a comeback. Only try live betting if you really understand the game, as it can be risky for beginners.
Before you start betting, check the rules in your area. In the United States, betting on esports like Overwatch is legal in states that allow online sports betting. If your state allows it, you can bet on Overwatch through a licensed sportsbook. If not, some people use offshore sites that accept US players. These sites aren't illegal for US users, but they don't have licenses from US regulators.
In other countries, the laws can be very different. Some places allow esports betting only in licensed casinos or online sportsbooks. Always make sure you're betting where it's legal. Most sites will require you to be at least 18 or 21, depending on your location. Remember to gamble responsibly: set limits on your time and money. If you feel like gambling is becoming a problem, seek help. Many sites provide resources for responsible gambling.
Betting on the Overwatch League, now called the Overwatch Champions Series, makes watching esports more exciting. The fast matches, many betting choices, and tournaments throughout the year provide plenty of chances to win. To bet wisely, you need to understand the betting markets and research teams and odds. This guide will help both beginners and experienced bettors place smart bets while enjoying Overwatch esports safely.
Overwatch League bets are the best bets on professional Overwatch matches. You can bet on which team will win, the results of maps, and who will win tournaments.
Yes! Even though the OWL ended in 2024, you can still bet on Overwatch 2 tournaments like the OWCS, World Cup, and Calling All Heroes events.
The best sites are BetWhale for live streaming, BetOnline for prop bets, and Everygame for good odds and multi-match betting.
You can bet on which team will win, the winner of a map, total maps played, handicaps, and future tournament champions. Some sites also offer player stats and live betting.
Odds show how much you can win. Decimal odds (like 2.50) tell you how much to multiply your bet by, while American odds (+200) show how much you could win for every $100 you bet.
